Toyota Truck Production Halted by Texas Storm

Strong Winds, Rain Knock Out Power, Cause Water Leaks

Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Texas temporarily halted production on Wednesday after the plant was battered by a rainstorm that knocked out power to parts of the plant and tore off roof panels, causing water leaks. The first production shift of the day was told not to report for work, according to Reuters. Once power was restored, plant management assessed the full extent of the damage, much of which was water related. Plant spokesman Mario Lozoya said a decision would be made whether or not to call in the second shift at 6:30 p.m. once plant electrical systems have been inspected. Lozoya said there is concern about the electrical systems being affected by the excess water, which could pose a hazard to plant employees.

The 2.2 million square-foot plant is the sole source for Tundra production and the primary source of Tacoma midsize trucks. Tacomas also come from a plant in Baja California, Mexico. The Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck on the market for the past several years and was redesigned for the 2016 model year. Toyota is currently in the process of relocating its national headquarters from Torrance, California, to Plano, Texas. Construction of the new headquarters offices is expected to be complete by early 2017, with relocated or newly hired staff in place by late in the year.